Wayne Klebe

Aug. 18, 1952-March 31, 2025

Willow City

We would like to tell you a story about our brother, ‘The Waynster’ …

Wayne Robert Klebe was born in Bottineau, ND to Robert & Marilyn (Haakenstad) Klebe. He grew up on the family farm between Willow City and Upham. He was the big brother to five younger siblings. Wayne’s parents instilled in him a deep, yet simple, relationship with Jesus. This faith reflected in his being, manifesting in a kind heart and gentle nature.

Life on the farm offered Wayne the pleasures of haying season and cattle work, but his true passions lay in hunting and fishing. He kept his fishing pole and shotgun ever ready, finding joy in any day spent casting a line at Rock Dam or Freeman Bridge.

Recognizing the need to earn a living, Wayne pursued a construction degree at Devils Lake College. He subsequently joined the Teamsters Union, working extensively in North Dakota’s coal country.

His boss soon learned that when deer season opened, Wayne would not be punching the time clock. Rather, his skills of scouting a buck would be put to work, giving pointers to friends, or saving his tactics to bag one himself. Receiving the privilege to hunt a moose, was one of Wayne’s finest memories in life.

Wayne was a man who lived life on his own terms, even though we may not have always understood his ways. We chose to respect the life he lived. He touched the lives of many in his community, leaving behind a legacy of living life as a free spirit.

If you find yourself on the roads through the J. Clark Salyer Refuge, you may feel Wayne’s essence, carried by the wind, a reflection of how he lived his life.

In closing, Wayne taught us to live simply, be kind, say thank you, and always smile.

We want to express our sincere gratitude for the staff at Valley Senior Living for welcoming him with open arms and making life a little softer in his final days.

He is survived by his brothers – Paul Klebe, of Bismarck and Danny Klebe, of Willow City. Sister In-Law Karen Hall-Klebe of Bottineau, Sisters Lisa (Dale) Warner of Thompson, and LeAnn (Jeff) Gilmore Vancouver, WA and many nieces and nephews.

He was joined in heaven with his parents and brother Loren Klebe.

Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.

Wayne passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Grand Forks. His funeral services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Willow Creek @ 10 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025. A time for lunch and fellowship immediately followed the service at the Willow City Community Hall.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, April 19, 2025.